MUMBAI: Polling is in full swing across Maharashtra for the crucial local body elections, with voters turning out in large numbers despite early morning rains in some areas. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari exuded confidence on Sunday, predicting a resounding victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the high-stakes polls.
Gadkari, a key BJP leader from the state, cast his vote at a polling station in Nagpur and addressed the media afterward. ‘The people of Maharashtra have seen the good governance delivered by the BJP. They will give us a massive mandate today,’ he declared, emphasizing the party’s development agenda.
Top leaders from across the political spectrum exercised their franchise early in the day. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrived at his polling booth in Thane, urging citizens to participate actively. Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar also voted, flanked by supporters chanting slogans.
The elections cover 31 municipal councils, including prominent ones like Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Mira-Bhayander. Over 1.2 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of 2,637 seats. Security has been beefed up at 12,000 polling stations, with live webcasting in place for transparency.
Political analysts point to a keen contest between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Recent opinion polls suggest BJP’s edge in urban centers, while Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP factions vie for dominance in their strongholds.
Voter turnout picked up steadily by noon, crossing 25% in many constituencies. Authorities reported minor glitches with EVMs, quickly resolved. The results, expected on Wednesday, could reshape local power dynamics ahead of state assembly polls.
As the sun sets on this democratic exercise, all eyes are on whether Gadkari’s optimism translates into seats. Maharashtra’s urban voters, grappling with civic issues like water supply and roads, hold the key.